How to Do an A-Line Bob

The A-line bob gives you a chic, flirty style.

Photo: Vision SRL/Stockbyte/Getty Images

The A-line bob features long hair in the front, which sweeps back to a shorter length in the back, along with straight bangs. It's essentially a dramatically angled bob with bangs. If you're ready to cut your own A-line bob, you're one brave lady. You won't have a lot of room for error with a short style. Still, if you have a steady hand, it doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you've practiced cutting longer styles on your hair.

Preparation

Wash and condition your hair, then rinse well. Spritz with leave-in conditioner if you have dry hair. Comb your hair and part it in the middle after drying it with a towel. Spread a towel under you so you can clean up the mess easily, and make sure you have a hand mirror, comb and sharp scissors beside you.

Parting Your Hair

Part your hair into eight sections. Seven sections is the standard method for starting a haircut, but you'll also create a section at the front for bangs. Neatly separate the bangs, top, front right, front left, right crown, left crown, right nape and left nape. Part each into a neat square, except for the bangs, which will be more of a line. Leave a thin fringe of hair, about half an inch thick, hanging around the bottom of your entire head.

Cutting Your Bangs

Let your fringe down first, and cut it straight across for that sharp A-line look. Your bangs will shrink up as they dry, so cut them longer than you think they should be. You can always fix them later. Cut them to about the bridge of your nose, then pin them up with a clip or bobby pins if they're in the way.

Cutting the Rest

You'll cut your hair in vertical slices, holding each slice outward at the same angle as you cut -- 45 degrees should do the trick. Hold your hair tight but not taut. Start with the hair at the nape of your neck, after letting it out of the clips. Comb each slice straight, combing out toward the same angle you'll hold it. Hold your scissors at the same angle for each cut, too, as you work your way around your head. Use a 45-degree angle again, or a steeper angle if you prefer. Make each cut a little lower than the last, using the last one as a guide, so your hair slants down toward the front.

Finishing the Style

To soften the look, take one section of hair at a time and hold it at the same 45 degree angle at which you cut it before. Then round the ends by trimming them slightly at an arched angle. This will help your locks blend together with a more rounded look, instead of sticking out like a shelf. Trim the bottom of your hair so it has a clean line..

Considerations

If you have really curly hair, trimming your own locks get tricky. Curly hair needs to be cut one lock at a time, fitting them into place like a puzzle so you don't end up with a shelf of hair. Get an expert curly hair stylist to help. You'll also want your hair to be cut while it's dry, not wet, as it will look totally different once it dries.

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